Let’s be honest—it’s been a tough year. A year that has asked so much of every one of us. And now, more than ever, we all want something to feel good about. That’s why Dallas Market Center, ART and 12 other industry associations teamed up to honor those who showed outstanding leadership during the pandemic—those who gave to others. And we wanted to encourage others to give, too.

So, we had an idea: we would invite artists, designers, celebrities, influencers, and other special guests to transform dinner plates from functional platter to collectible tabletop art, then auction them off to benefit No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end child hunger. We sent white plates donated by Rosenthal—the perfect blank canvas—to an assembled cast of artists and VIPs.

We weren’t sure what to expect—or how many people would participate—given this is the first time the home industry has united on such a large scale to raise money for a cause. But the response was overwhelming. Numerous industry influencers donated countless hours in the pursuit of benefiting those in need during a hard year. They gave so that others might give.

No two of the resulting reimagined plates, a total of 74, are alike. Each was transformed by a diverse range of materials including textiles, woven and arranged into colorful patterns; seashells, gemstones and rocks; tactile mixed media combinations; and, of course, paint in many forms. Some deserve a place at the center of the table, while others merit a place on the wall.

Generosity, leadership, empathy, and service will be celebrated, awards accepted, beautiful plates sold. But most importantly, money will be raised so kids’ bellies will be filled.

Gifts of the Sea by Betty Lyn Eller

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